Mustard speeds up metabolism, so extra pounds disappear faster. Find out in what form mustard should be used for weight loss, and also get recipes for effective compositions for massage, baths and wraps!
Author: Kristina Lobanovskaya, doctor, practicing nutritionist Article updated: 11/10/2020
Mustard is a unique product. Being a sought-after spice with an original taste and aroma, it is no less popular as a medicine for colds and as a cosmetic for restoring the beauty of hair. This is not the end of the spice possibilities. Today, mustard is even recommended for weight loss, as it is known for its warming properties. In what form is it better to use the product, how to achieve an effective result and what should you be wary of?
Useful properties of mustard for weight loss
Mustard was known in Ancient China long before our era. Then the grains of the plant of the same name were used for medicinal purposes. The name of the seasoning translated from Latin sounds like “burning”, and it is indeed endowed with warming properties, for which it was valued by doctors of the past. Today, the versatility of mustard can be envied - it has found its approval in cooking, medicine and cosmetology. This unusual spice has a rich biochemical composition: vitamins A, E, C, K, carotene, folic acid, essential oils, dietary fiber, as well as proteins and carbohydrates. It is actively used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, hypertension, with its help they cope with constipation, inflammatory processes and prevent colon cancer.
Along with other beneficial properties, mustard promotes weight loss. The secret is in the acceleration of metabolism, which is observed when it is consumed orally. Just a teaspoon of “sauce” can improve blood circulation and speed up metabolism by 20%, and its regular consumption stimulates the body to more actively fight fat deposits. Additionally, taking the spice has a laxative effect, due to which toxins and waste are removed from the body. And for weight loss to occur more intensively, the seasoning should also be used externally: homemade mixtures for wraps and baths are prepared on its basis.
By the way, for weight loss, mustard cannot be used in the form of a store product familiar to many, which is rich in various food additives, salt and sugar. You need to choose from the following names:
Seeds
The seeds of the herbaceous plant contain omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and magnesium, which are necessary for the stable functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems. The fiber present in the composition normalizes digestion processes, eliminating discomfort when on a diet and making the process of digesting food easy. Also, their use leads to the resolution of problems with edema and provides a choleretic effect. Regular consumption of seeds activates blood circulation throughout the body, resulting in a gradual but natural reduction in body weight.
Mustard seeds can be added to dietary dishes or drunk before meals, dissolved in a glass of clean water. There are several types of seeds that differ in color - white, black, brown. The former are endowed with a weak sweetish taste, the latter are spicy and pungent. The brown seeds are slightly bitter and then give off a burning sensation.
Leaves
Not many people know that the leaves of the plant are endowed with no less benefits than the seeds. They can also be eaten. It’s especially good added to your favorite salads. The properties demonstrated are:
- increased intestinal peristalsis;
- lowering cholesterol levels;
- mild laxative effect.
Powder
Mustard powder is made from dried seeds. With its help, intensive breakdown of fat cells is launched. As a rule, “flour” is used to prepare a food mixture recommended for use during diets. You can apply the mixture to bread, crackers or stale bran bread.
The powder is no less in demand as a component of compositions for anti-cellulite wraps. Can be used in preparing baths for weight loss.
Oil
They produce aromatic “gold” from the seeds of the plant. It contains vitamin B, which is responsible for stimulating digestion, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which normalize fat metabolism in the liver and other organs. Experts say that the product helps improve metabolism and burns excess fat, accelerates blood circulation and eliminates puffiness. Additionally, normalization of hormonal levels is observed, which is especially important for women during premenopause. When consumed, it is possible not only to lose weight, but also to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and normalize blood pressure. In addition, the product has a bactericidal effect, that is, it fights pathogenic intestinal microflora.
The easiest way to use is 1 tablespoon in the morning on an empty stomach. The disadvantage of this method is the specific taste. If you can’t get used to it, you should add it to salads and other dishes. As part of a comprehensive weight loss program, it is recommended to conduct massage sessions with aromatic “gold”.
Benefits and harm to the body
Benefit
Losing weight with regular and competent use of mustard internally will be accompanied by improved well-being and improved health, since it:
- slows down the aging process;
- helps to better digest certain foods (for example, meat);
- improves blood circulation and lymph flow;
- has a positive effect on the genitourinary system;
- helps with mild intestinal disorders, relieves constipation;
- strengthens the immune system;
- normalizes metabolism (we have already talked about what its disruption leads to);
- has sedative properties.
In folk medicine it is used as a remedy that can remove poison from the body, relieve any pain and enlighten the mind.
The beneficial properties of the seasoning are due to its chemical composition, which contains many vitamins (B, A, C, E, D), minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron), glycosides, antioxidants, volatile substances, fatty acids, essential oils, and sinigrin (the same bitterness that gives the seasoning such a specific taste).
Harm
Before using mustard for weight loss, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist. After all, consuming it in such quantities and for quite a long time is dangerous to health in some cases. There are special contraindications for this method of weight loss:
- gastrointestinal diseases, dysbacteriosis;
- obesity;
- serious problems with the heart and blood vessels;
- tendency to allergies;
- hypertension;
- liver and kidney pathologies;
- open tuberculosis;
- children under 10 years of age.
Mustard is a powerful irritant. If used incorrectly, it can provoke a severe allergic reaction, burn the intestinal mucosa, lead to heartburn, gastritis and even ulcers. Side effects include a sharp increase in blood pressure, dizziness, shortness of breath, bradycardia and other unpleasant consequences. There have been known cases of anaphylactic shock due to too high a dose.
From the lives of famous people. John XXII, the Pope who led the Catholic Church in the 14th century, loved mustard so much that he added it to all dishes except sweet ones. By the way, he had a very slender physique.
Harm
When deciding to use mustard for weight loss, it is necessary to identify both the benefits and harm to the body. Firstly, it is a serious allergen, which, if used incorrectly, causes negative reactions: burns of the mucous membranes and skin, irritation, redness.
Directly when used internally, the product has one more significant “but” in addition to the not very gentle effect on the stomach - emulsification of fats. In the digestive tract, the spice promotes their breakdown into simple molecules, the absorption of which is noticeably better. Simply put, when the spice is consumed in food, fats are absorbed more densely than without it, and this is not at all a favorable factor for weight loss. Plus, mustard has the ability to increase appetite, which makes dieting less comfortable and controlling nutrition more difficult. In order for weight loss to really occur, along with using the plant, you must adhere to a diet and exercise physical activity. The comprehensive program, according to reviews, works.
What kind of mustard is suitable?
Not all mustard can be used for weight loss. Store-bought seasonings in the form of a paste or sauce contain salt, sugar and other spices, so they do not contribute to weight loss. You need to use the seasoning in its natural form.
- Mustard seeds. Add to vegetable salads, meat and fish dishes. They have a sweetish taste and spicy aroma.
- Mustard leaves. The fresh, slightly spicy taste makes them a pleasant addition to vegetable salads and cold appetizers.
- Mustard powder. Rarely used as food, it is used to make scrubs, masks, and wraps.
- Oil. It has a specific bitter taste. Taken internally and externally.
A combination of internal and external use of mustard for weight loss is allowed. The taste and aroma of spices increase appetite, so the diet must be combined with physical activity.
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